LCCC ENGLISH DAILY NEWS BULLETIN
December 16/08

Bible Reading of the day.
Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Matthew 21,23-27. When he had come into the temple area, the chief priests and the elders of the people approached him as he was teaching and said, "By what authority are you doing these things? And who gave you this authority?"
Jesus said to them in reply, "I shall ask you one question, and if you answer it for me, then I shall tell you by what authority I do these things.
Where was John's baptism from? Was it of heavenly or of human origin?" They discussed this among themselves and said, "If we say 'Of heavenly origin,' he will say to us, 'Then why did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'Of human origin,' we fear the crowd, for they all regard John as a prophet."
So they said to Jesus in reply, "We do not know." He himself said to them, "Neither shall I tell you by what authority I do these things.

Saint Bede (c.673-735), monk, Doctor of the Church
Sermon no.1; CCL 122, 2/"All regard John as a prophet"
If we seek to know why John was baptising when his baptism was nevertheless unable to take away sins, the reason is clear: to be faithful to his ministry as forerunner it was necessary for him to baptise before the Lord did, just as he was born before he was, preached before he did and died before him. At the same time it was to prevent the jealous wrangling of the Pharisees and scribes from seizing upon the Lord's ministry supposing he had been the first to administer baptism. «Where was John's baptism from? Was it of heavenly or human origin?» As they would not dare to deny that it came from heaven they were obliged to acknowledge that the works of him whom John preached were also accomplished by means of a power coming from heaven. However, if John's baptism did not take away sins that does not mean to say that it bore no fruit for those who received it... It was a sign of faith and repentance, that is to say it called to mind that all must abstain from sin, practice almsgiving, believe in Christ, and make haste to his baptism as soon as it appeared, there to be washed for the remission of their sins.
Besides this, the desert where John dwelt represents the life of saints cut off from the pleasures of this world. Whether they live in solitude or in the midst of the crowd, they strain wholeheartedly to detach themselves from the desires of the present world. They find their joy in cleaving to God alone in the secret of their heart and in placing their hope only in him. This was the solitude of soul, so dear to God, to which the prophet was longing to go, with the Holy Spirit's help, when he said: «Had I but wings like a dove, I would fly away and be at rest» (Ps55[54],7).

Free Opinions, Releases, letters & Special Reports
Don't let security issues impose ruin on Lebanese-Syrian relations again- Daily Star 15/12/08
The Human Rights Declaration, fragile but hardly futile-By Aryeh Neier 15/12/08
Analysis: Why Israel prefers the cease-fire in Gaza-Jerusalem Post 15/12/08

Latest News Reports From Miscellaneous Sources for December 15/08
Ackerman Reaffirmed to March 14 U.S. Commitment to Lebanon as Berri Refused to Meet Him-Naharnet
Baroud: What Happened at Cabinet is Unacceptable-Naharnet
Sayyed on a 24-Hour Hunger Strike-Naharnet
Hariri Tours Beirut Streets, Listens to Residents' Demands-Naharnet
March 8 Meeting Soon to Discuss Elections-Naharnet
Yakan: Call for Amendment of Taef Agreement is Like Playing with Fire-Naharnet
Aoun Met Bishop Aude, Will Visit Bkirki Soon-Naharnet
EU Rewards Syria Over Lebanon Ties-Naharnet
Assailants Kill Two Lebanese in Africa-Naharnet
Sleiman and Jordanian king agree on need for full implementation of 1701-Daily Star
Cabinet works around discord to fill panel tasked with overseeing election-Daily Star
Nayla Tueni uses forum on free press to issue election appeal-Daily Star
Former US President Carter meets Hamas leader-The Associated Press
'Smarter bombs' will allow Israel to hit Lebanon with impunity-Daily Star
Syria looks to better times-Asia Times Online
Hezbollah chief receives honorary doctorate from Iranian university-Xinhua
Hamas' Zahar: Israeli stubbornness led to Lebanon War-Ha'aretz
Alwaleed still leads Arab tycoons despite losses-(AFP)
Lebanese send more money home in 2008, but crisis may slow remittances- Daily Star
Journalist hurls shoes at 'dog' Bush during surprise Iraq visit-(AFP)

Hezbollah chief receives honorary doctorate from Iranian university
www.chinaview.cn 2008-12-15 03:25:38 Print
TEHRAN, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon's Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah received an honorary doctorate from an Iranian university in Isfahan, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Sunday. Nasrallah was granted the degree "in the field of political science, as a part of the events to mark the university's 300th birthday," the report said. The degree was received by an envoy in Nasrallah's absence. Nasrallah thanked Iran, in a statement read at the ceremony, for "25 years of support and aid for the Hezbollah organization and its warriors in southern Lebanon," adding that his group had won "two big triumphs" against "the most equipped armed forces in the region," referring implicitly to Israel. He also stressed in the statement that "Iran's support was always the main factor in the victories and it always will be."

Ackerman Reaffirmed to March 14 U.S. Commitment to Lebanon as Berri Refused to Meet Him
Naharnet/A U.S. congressional delegation has reaffirmed during its meeting with the majority March 14 coalition the new U.S. administration's commitment to support Lebanon while Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri refused to meet the team led by Gary Ackerman. The daily As Safir on Monday said the delegation's visit to Beirut remains a matter in question concerning the political dimensions of the trip and its background "particularly since head of the delegation Gary Ackerman is known for taking hostile stances against the resistance and the opposition."Asked for clarification, Berri said: "Yes, I refused to receive them."
Ackerman chairs the House of Representatives Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia. The delegation also included Congressmen Jeff Flake (Republican), Joe Wilson (Republican), Brian Higgins (Democrat), and Ron Klein (Democrat).
As Safir said the delegation had asked for a meeting with Berri prior to its Beirut visit, but that the Speaker totally rejected this idea "especially since Ackerman himself had a while ago launched a vehement attack on March 8 Forces and the Lebanese opposition, particularly AMAL Movement, Hizbullah and the Free Patriotic Movement, saying they lick Syrian shoes." "What is the meaning of this visit and what do they want?" Berri commented when the delegation suggested it meets with him.
As Safir said the delegation has reiterated to the Secretariat General of the majority March 14 alliance the new U.S. administration's commitment to support Lebanon.
The delegation on Saturday met Suleiman at the Presidential Palace in Baabda.
Ackerman said after the meeting that the recent election of President-elect Barack Obama would not affect the United States' "support" for Lebanon.
"Obama's election will not roll back U.S. support to Lebanon's unity, independence, and sovereignty," he said.
"Despite all speculations, there is a kind of consensus between the Democrats and Republicans regarding this issue and I expect no changes in our policy," Ackerman added. He said the delegation's visit was also to assure Washington's "friends in Lebanon" that Obama's policy in the Middle East would adhere more firmly to diplomacy and negotiations without putting Lebanon's future in jeopardy.
"I am also looking forward to working with the next administration to upgrade the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces," he said. "The LAF had proved itself on more than one occasion and I believe that it deserves our support as well as that of the international community."
The delegation met with Prime Minister Fouad Saniora as well as parliamentary majority leader Saad Hariri and Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Jean Qahwaji.
Ackerman said after meeting Hariri that the likelihood of holding talks between the U.S. and Syria would not alter the course of the international tribunal to try suspects in the murder of Hariri's father, ex-Premier Rafik Hariri. The delegation left Beirut on board of a U.S. military helicopter to Cyprus. Beirut, 15 Dec 08, 09:18

Baroud: What Happened at Cabinet is Unacceptable
Naharnet/Interior Minister Ziad Baroud has criticized the way the supervisory election campaign commission was formed during the recent cabinet meeting.
"What happened came as a second shock to the reformist trend ... This comes following the first shock of the election law," Baroud told As Safir daily in remarks published Monday. He expressed his fear that this could constitute a pattern for dealing with the 2009 parliamentary elections.
However, he said the formation of the commission was positive in terms of reform. He warned that if matters continue as before, he would adopt a specific position.
In an other interview with the daily al-Akhbar, Baroud said: "What happened at last Saturday's (cabinet) session is unacceptable, particularly when none of the ministers registered their objection to the names composing the commission." The opposition used its veto power for the first time at Saturday's cabinet meeting.
The veto threat over the issue of setting up the commission prompted the majority of ministers to succumb to the opposition demand for adopting a name from the team who is politically aligned with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and not a candidate chosen by Baroud.
Regarding the election law, Baroud said he was disappointed with the law, which he said it represents only 30% of what he had proposed.
He added that the law lacked the necessary reforms. Asked if this would force him to resign, Baroud said that he considered doing so. However, he changed his mind for several reasons In terms of obstacles that could face the 2009 elections, Baroud said: "Difficulties do not only stem from political and security concerns, there is the issue of the ministry itself, where we have important vacancies that need to be filled such as a director-general and the issue of the four governorates that are currently being run by-proxy." He said that not appointing state security officers before the elections could have negative implications. Beirut, 15 Dec 08, 13:27

Sayyed on a 24-Hour Hunger Strike
Naharnet/Major General Jamil al-Sayyed, former director of General Security and one of the four generals held on suspicion of involvement in ex-Premier Rafik Hariri's assassination, announced that he would begin a 24-hour hunger strike on Monday.
In a statement distributed by his media office on Sunday, Sayyed said his planned protest was against what he claimed to be "arbitrariness made against him and the other arrested Generals Raymond Azar, Ali Hajj and Mustapha Hamdan by Prosecutor General Saeed Mirza, and Investigating Magistrate Saqr Saqr for deliberately hiding the offered opinion of United Nations International Independent Investigative Commission (UNIIIC) Commissioner Daniel Bellemare for settling the issue of the arrests based on the investigative findings that would secure their release."Sayyed indicated that his symbolic action is a prelude to an open hunger strike in the future.
The statement claimed that Mirza and Saqr previously informed one of the defense lawyers in the case that the four generals would remain under arrest because the UNIIIC continues to send related information to them. The statement said the UNIIIC had formally informed Lebanese authorities that it has delivered all related material regarding the four arrested officers, leaving the decision of their release in the hands of the Lebanese authorities. Beirut, 15 Dec 08, 10:35

Hariri Tours Beirut Streets, Listens to Residents' Demands
Naharnet/Al Mustaqbal Movement leader Saad Hariri ventured out through Beirut streets Sunday night, accompanied by MPs Ammar Houry and head of Beirut's Municipality Abdul Menem al-Arees. The tour included neighborhoods in Tarik Jedideh, Berjawi and Ard Jalloul which covered the municipal stadium, Imam Ali Mosque, Danna gas station, Maqassed Hospital, Arab University and Civil Defense center. Residents crowded the streets throwing rice and rose petals on Hariri, the traditional way to wish goodwill. Hariri made a point to shake hands with the people and listen to their demands. Beirut, 15 Dec 08, 10:31

March 8 Meeting Soon to Discuss Elections
Naharnet/Leaders of the March 8 alliance would hold a meeting soon to discuss upcoming parliamentary elections.
The daily Ad Diyar on Monday said among those who will attend the meeting are Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Free Patriotic Movement chief Gen. Michel Aoun and former cabinet minister Suleiman Franjieh as well as Hizbullah leaders. Ad Diyar said "disputes over elections began to surface among March 8 factions particularly regarding the Druze seats in Aley, the Chouf, Metn, Hasbaya and Western Bekaa."It said disputes are also beginning to appear in the Greek Orthodox seat in Hasbaya and other constituencies. Beirut, 15 Dec 08, 11:08

Aoun Met Bishop Aude, Will Visit Bkirki Soon
Naharnet/Free Patriotic Movement leader Gen. Michel Aoun met Sunday with Bishop Elias Aude, Metropolitan of Beirut of the Orthodox Church, and stressed that he would soon visit Bkirki. Aoun described his meeting with Aude as "natural," adding that he relayed to the bishop the greetings of some friends in Syria.
On the campaign being launched against him, Aoun said: "We are used to the assaults. Our conscience, however, is clear and our deeds do not violate anybody's freedom and our principles are only aimed at improving relations with everybody." Beirut, 15 Dec 08, 10:17

Lebanese Women Married to Foreigners Want Equality
Naharnet/Every year, Salha Solh spends half her small income of $3,600 just to keep her three sons and three daughters from being deported from their homeland.
Solh is Lebanese but her husband is Pakistani, and under Lebanese law she cannot pass her citizenship on to her children. They are Pakistanis in the law's eyes and need expensive annual residency visas, even though they were born and raised here and have never been to their father's country.
A few months ago, Solh's eldest son was picked up by police for not renewing his residence permit on time and imprisoned for three months until he got a new one.
Nearly every Arab country has similar laws. Women's groups have succeeded in changing such laws in Egypt, Morocco and Algeria and are leading campaigns elsewhere, usually against religious conservatives. In Lebanon, reformers are finally gaining attention for the issue — through a series of small public protests like one that Solh recently attended, of 100 people, on Beirut Martyrs' Square.
"It is my children's right to have Lebanese citizenship," said Solh, who works as a cook and whose husband is unemployed after falling sick recently.
Many Lebanese fear that allowing women to pass their citizenship to their children will upset the country's delicate sectarian balance, or open a backdoor for the large Palestinian refugee population to gain citizenship.
"Definitely there is sexism" in such worries, said Information Minister Tarek Mitri, who supports changing the law. "I fear that this might take a bit of time (to change)."
He pointed out that many more Lebanese men are married to Palestinians or other foreigners than the reverse, and no one sees their children as anything but Lebanese.
But in the eyes of many — not just the law — a Lebanese woman with children by a foreign father is seen as bringing foreigners into the country.
"The Lebanese constitution prevents all forms of settling Palestinians in Lebanon," said Christian lawmaker Naamatallah Abi-Nasr, who opposes changing the current law. He said he would only support a change if Lebanese are given the same treatment by other Arab countries — a condition not likely to be met. "If a Saudi woman gets married to a Lebanese, he should be given Saudi citizenship," Abi-Nasr said.
Reformers face a similar situation in Jordan, home to nearly 2 million Palestinian refugees. Queen Rania has pressed for new laws to allow women to pass on their nationality, but lawmakers have resisted, fearing the move could open the way for Palestinian refugees to gain citizenship.
In Lebanon, activists and women married to foreigners have in recent months held conferences and sit-ins, including protests outside the prime minister's office and near parliament in October. A draft bill to allow women to pass on their citizenship has been submitted to parliament, though it is not known when lawmakers will take it up.
"Lebanon is the least-advanced country in the region when it comes to this matter," says Lina Abou-Habib, executive director of the Collective for Research and Training on Development Action, a campaign leader.
It is not known how many Lebanese women are married to foreigners, but they are believed to number in the thousands. Many live abroad and are not registered.
Syrians and Palestinians married to Lebanese also don't register with authorities since Palestinian refugees don't need residency permits in Lebanon, while Syrians can stay up to six months without applying for a residency permit. Without citizenship, husbands and children of Lebanese women are barred from government jobs and cannot own property or businesses. They must also renew their residency every year, each time costing around $300. "We, Arab women, want our rights," Ikbal Doughan, a women's rights activists and the lawyer of the citizenship campaign, told a conference recently. "We are not asking for more."(AP) Beirut, 15 Dec 08, 09:45

EU Rewards Syria Over Lebanon Ties
Naharnet/The European Union on Sunday offered a reward to Syria for moving towards setting up ties with Lebanon.
The European Commission and Damascus inked a cooperation agreement in Damascus, four years after completion of a deal which EU member states failed to sign for political reasons. Tayssir Raddaui, head of the Syrian state planning board and Hugo Mingarelli, deputy head of the European Commission for foreign affairs, inked the document in front of media. Full signature of the agreement is expected during the first half of 2009, according to a statement. Syria is one of the last Mediterranean countries not to have signed such an association agreement, which brings financial benefits conditional on certain economic reforms. Last month the commission promised to offer Syria a new deal "very soon" to reward the country for having established diplomatic relations with Lebanon and starting indirect peace talks with Israel. Benita Ferrero-Waldner, the EU's external affairs commissioner, said then that her office was finalizing changes to the draft agreement with Syria to adapt it to recent developments. She welcomed "recent positive developments in Syrian regional policy." The EU froze relations with Damascus after the assassination in February 2005 of former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri, an attack widely blamed on Syria though Damascus denies the charge.
(Naharnet-AFP) Beirut, 14 Dec 08, 20:31

Assailants Kill Two Lebanese in Africa
Naharnet/Two Lebanese men were killed and two wounded when unidentified assailants broke into their house in Guinea-Bissau overnight, it was officially reported on Sunday. The state-run National News Agency said efforts were underway to arrange flying bodies of the two victims to Beirut for burial in Lebanon. The terse report said one of the fatalities is from the Nazzal family and the second is his nephew. Further details were not available. Beirut, 14 Dec 08, 20:13